We are losing our future everyday on our highways. Our future leaders, our teens are being killed or injured in a higher ratio than any other age group based on miles driven. Some are causing their own death and injury through unsafe driving behavior and just plain immaturity and inexperience. Others are the innocent victims of another driver’s bad choices or criminal behavior.
These are a few stories of teens whose lives ended or were forever changed before they really got a chance to start to reach their potential.

Hennepin County Suburban Panels A variety of dates and locations are available, please call the following registration number to confirm and register. Suburban panel registration number is 952-221-7393

Isanti County Panels call for dates and location at 952-221-7393

Sibley/McLeod County Victim Panels-- call Susan at 1-320-864-1277 to register and more information. Fax is 320-864-1415

Sibley/ McLeod County Panel is at the McLeod County North Complex south entrance -2391 Hennepin Ave N. Glencoe, MN

Dates for panel are February 26, 2018, June 4, 2018 and October 15, 2018

For non english speaking offenders, Minnesotans for Safe Driving have available Victim Impact panels for Hispanic, Hmong and Russian speaking people. Please call ahead to register for the first available panel 952-221-7393 and to get more information.

There is a $25.00 cash fee due for each person court ordered to attend. There is NO CHARGE for any concerned person who accompanies the referred person. The $25.00 cash fee is due the night of the panel and will be collected upon admission. Credit cards are not accepted. Checks not accepted. Cell phones and pagers must not be used during the panel time. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact Minnesotans For Safe Driving: 952 221-7393.

Rescheduling: There will be a $25.00 additional fee for those who do not attend their first registered session. Any cancelation or rescheduling must be done at least 24 hours in advance.

Alcohol or illicit drug use prior to attendance is prohibited. You will be asked to leave if chemical use is suspected and no credit will be given for attendance that night.

If you are ordered to attend an impact panel you are welcome to go to any of the panels we offer but you must register in advance at the panel you wish to attend.

Our Mission Statement -To assist all victims of traffic crashes and educate the public to the dangers of Drunk Driving and Distractive Driving.

Minnesotans for Safe Driving (MSD) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizationIts Prime Objections are as follows:

Victim Services

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help victims of traffic crashes involving unsafe driving behavior.
Advocates attend court proceedings at a victim's request. We assist victims step by step during court proceedings and after if requested.

Education and Public Awareness

As an organization, we are striving to change behaviors through education.
We offer:

Speakers for presentations at any interested organization or school

Death Notification/ sensitivity training free of charge to law enforcement, medical personnel and any group upon request.

Materials and assistance in our new projectEmployee Workplace Reintegration after Loss

Victim Impact Panels to educate the offenders and the public about the consequences of their behavior. Panelists are victims, offenders, law enforcement and medical personnel. These speakers do impress upon the offenders the outcome of such irresponsible behavior.

Impactful DVD’s of victims and offenders talking about the crash that changed their lives.

Court Watch
We monitor court cases relating to public safety on Minnesota roadways.

Legislation.
We work to change and improve laws to make our roads safer.

Traffic Safety
Minnesotans For Safe Driving want to change the mindset in Minnesota regarding non-alcohol related crashes caused by speeding, aggressive driving, and inattentive and distracted driving. These crashes should not be referred to as “ACCIDENTS” they should be considered “CRASHES” that were caused by failure to obey the traffic laws, and follow due care when driving; not an unforeseen event which is the definition of an accident.
Minnesota has come a long way on reducing the incidence of drunk driving, but the battle is not over until we have reached zero deaths. With the help of technology, advocacy groups, the government and the public this goal CAN happen.

REMEMBER, THE MOST LIKELY SITUATION TO ENDANGER YOUR LIFE IS DRIVING ON THE ROADS AND HIGHWAYS YOU FREQUENT DAILY.

Minnesotans for Safe Driving is saddened to announce that we have lost two of our dearest and supportive friends in the past monthSteven Kallenbeck was co-owner of Aurora Productions. He was one of the kindest individuals and a talented producer. Our organization with Steven's assistance has positively touched thousands of lives through our driving impact DVDs.Gary Williams was a caring and bright drug and alcohol evaluator. He was a very special friend to anyone working in or with the treatment community. He taught the members of our organization about the disease of addiction and made us better able to understand those battling this addiction.Thank you for touching our lives. You will both be missed

Nancy Johnson, MSD volunteer, at our booth.

Have you been involved in a crash caused by another, or just shake your head in disdain or dismay at the bad driving behavior you see everyday on our roads?

Don't just complain, do something about it. Join Minnesotans For Safe Driving as a volunteer and/or a financial donor. Numbers make a difference and money allows us to present more programs and materials.

We have many interesting volunteer positions and activities such as:

Participating as a court monitor involved with a study on non-alcohol related crashes

Participating at our Driving Impact Panels

Helping to produce our newsletters and brochures

Doing clerical work when needed

Helping with our legislative effort

Participating in traffic safety awareness at our booth at various events

We need speakers and organizers for various programs

Volunteer advocates, training available

MSD volunteers at Sen. Amy Klobuchar's press conference for

her Senate Bill "The Improving Driver Safety Act"

Minnesotans for Safe Driving volunteers at their booth at the 2011 Minnesota TZD Conference in Duluth

volunteer Danielle helping at fundraising walk

MFSD needs volunteers in outstate Minnesota - we will train you!

Call today!
952-238-0970
Outstate call toll free:
877-870-7466

Jon Cummings speaking at a school

Julio Salazar is a volunteer interpreter and speaker for the Spanish panels

Jon Cummings, founder of Minnesotans for Safe Driving: “This is a powerful, addictive, mood-altering chemical. [It] causes more misery, more death, more injuries, more treasure than all the rest of them combined. And it’s the legal one.”

Jon Cummings has delivered the talk about his son Phillip (and the drunk driver who killed him) more than 2,800 times over the past 18 years — for various Minnesota county jurisdictions, schools, churches, prisons, and driver’s-ed classes.

You’d think his story would by now have become rote or routinized. But even after all these years it reverberates with heartbreaking authenticity. It was no different on Saturday at Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins, when Cummings addressed about 50 first-time DWI offenders during a Hennepin County court-ordered daylong seminar on addiction, treatment, alcohol’s effects on the brain, managing stress and strategies to avoid reoffending.

He doesn’t talk about Phillip right away; that comes at about the halfway point of his hourlong presentation.

Never in a million years would I have thought that I would become an advocate for safe driving. That is not until June 8, 2007. My brother was killed in a motorcycle crash. in which it was determined that he was over the legal limit to be driving after drinking alcohol. That day has changed the way I see things on our roads forever.

I have spent the last 8 years speaking to folks about my brother's crash and the impact it has had on our family. I feel that it is important to show the other side of tragedy - the side that is left to pick up the pieces after a loved one has been killed in a preventable crash. Simply put, I do not want another family to have to go through what my family has gone through. By advocating for safer roads, it gives me an opportunity to speak about making better choices.

Why we started Minnesotans for Safe Driving?

MINNESOTANS FOR SAFE DRIVING was created in honor of our son Phillip who was killed by a drunk driver on May 4, 1994. Phil was a fine young man who died a violent and totally preventable death.

A short time after his death, we became involved in the drunk driving issue with a national non-profit organization, dedicating our lives in seeking ways to make changes in the law and attitudes of the driving public. But after a few years, it became very clear to us that drunk driving is not the only cause of the senseless carnage happening on our highways – aggressive and inattentive drivers are killing more people than drunk drivers.

Unfortunately there’s been little advocacy to help these victims through the courts or to fight for changes in the law at the Legislature. The lives of their sons and daughters, mothers and fathers were as senselessly taken, as was our son’s life. Therefore in February 2000, Minnesotans For Safe Driving was created to fill that known void and to expand our mission to serve as advocates for ALL VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC CRASHES, be they the results of drunk driving, speeding, aggressive or inattentive driving.

Our mission is two-fold; to stop the senseless carnage on our highways and to help all victims of all traffic crashes.

Forming Minnesotans For Safe Driving has given many talented people a means to continue their dedication to this mission. We hope that you will support us in this expanded endeavor.

I have spent the last 26 years of my life working on the issue of drunk driving. Initially, I am always asked, “Are you a victim?” My answer is no. The next question is “Why do you do this then?” I decided this is a good time to answer these questions and also add a few comments.

Back in the 70’s (It seems like only yesterday), I worked in California at the Alameda County Juvenile Court / Detention Facility. A friend, who at the time was a Probation Officer, was hit and injured seriously by a drunk driver. My friend lost one arm and one leg, which of course changed his life forever. The drunk driver on the other hand was fined $300. That was it. I have always thought of that as $150 for each limb. Isn't that horrible.

For years that incident would slip in and out of my mind. After moving to Minnesota there came a time in my life when I had time to volunteer. I worked with a couple charities and one day decided maybe I could help make a difference regarding the crime of drunk driving. That was almost 30 years ago. Becoming an advocate for victims of drunk driving was definitely my calling.

I wish things would have been different in the 70’s, but I have learned to never look back. I know we have made amazing changes these past 30 years, but I know in my heart there is still a long way to go. I will never forget the call I received from the mother of a repeat drunk driving offender. She told me she had no other place to turn and wanted to get some advice for her son regarding turning himself into the authorities. She believed if her son turned himself in he would be “nailed”. That the system would not listen to what he is doing with his life now. That was the call, which made me understand the life of an alcoholic a bit more and the love of family members. I have been blessed. I now feel I understand some of the frustrations of the victim, but also the need for an offender to have someone believe in them. I feel like I have received a Masters Degree on the topic of drunk driving. It’s an education I have received from others, sometimes horrifying, sometimes sad, and always informative.

I am the lucky one; my family has never been through the pains of having a family member hit or killed by a drunk driver. As a mom, wife and citizen I feel it is not only my job, but everyone’s obligation to use our highways responsibly. It is our duty to do all we can to make this a safer world for our children and grandchildren. Now with Minnesotans For Safe Driving I have the ability to pursue my calling and assist victims – ALL victims of traffic crashes.

I would like to thank the founders of Minnesotans For Safe Driving, Jon and Geri Cummings for giving these victims a place to turn for assistance. I am proud of all that we have accomplished over the last three years. It still amazes me that in such a short time we have achieved so much. We will never give up the fight against drunk driving, but society has changed and we are embroiled in a war on our roadways. There are too many victims of not only drunk driving, but also speeding, road rage, and other irresponsible driving behavior. These victims now have some place to ask for help. This could not have happened without all of our generous volunteers and donators. So a special thank you to all of you.

A majority of the funds raised, we are proud to say, have been spent on community services and projects. In fact, 80% goes back into the community for education of offenders and the public, special projects and victims’ assistance. This is remarkable. This is ONLY possible because of our dedicated volunteers and our wonderful supporters. A Big Thank You to everyone!

SPECIAL THANK YOU
To Felling Trailers, Marks' Towing,
and Bob Milner for making this program successful!!!

CRASH CAR PROGRAM

Minnesotans For Safe Driving has a crash car program designed to enlighten the public. Displaying an actual crash car has proven very effective when used as an added visual to a driving awareness program.

It shows your students, employees, customers, or organization a firsthand visual caused by irresponsible driving behavior which may be the result of impaired, distracted, aggressive or speed.

Cars are available for Schools, Drivers training, Fire and Police demonstrations, Malls, Corporations, Community Events and Parades when appropriate.

There is a reasonable charge for transporting crash cars to your site that varies based on the destination and qualified carrier. The preferred method for invoicing is by means of a fax or scanned transmission.

Cars will be placed on the site requested. Be sure to choose a location that will provide the greatest visual attraction. Cars have posters and storyboards to display scenes from a life and crash.

Whenever possible identify to us your planned agenda for the car display and if time and availability permits, volunteers may be available to speak.

To request a crash car for your event please contact our office at 952-238-0970 or you may contact Bob Milner at 612-724-4296.

If you are interested in donating a car to our crash car program please call Sharon at 952- 238-0970

The 2018 Minnesota Legislature finished its session with not many bills passed. Minnesotans for Safe Driving were in favor of a few of the bills that were submitted. Two of them passed. The three bills that Minnesotans for Safe Driving supported were the Hands Free of the cell phone while driving bill, a bill modifying the DWI law by including other types of intoxicating substances and striking references to hazardous substances which do not apply to impaired driving and “Little Alan’s Law which would change the law to if you received a DWI in any motorized vehicle including snowmobiles, ATV, or motorized boats your license for driving any vehicle would be suspended . The latter two passed and are law now but the Hands- Free cell phone law did not pass. We are very upset about this because the leadership refused to allow it to have a vote in the full Senate and House and we believe it would have passed if they had allowed the vote.

The 2019 Legislative session will start in January with many new legislators and maybe new leadership. This bill needs to be passed to save lives. Contact our organization if you want to help us pass this bill. Their will be bill number after the session starts.

HANDS FREE CELL PHONE LEGISLATION

Distracted driving is causing as many if not more crashes than drunk diving. Using the cell phone while driving causes a majority of these crashes. Getting the cell phone out of the hands of all drivers is an important first step in saving lives. There is a law against texting and driving but that is very hard to enforce so long as it is legal to hold the phone. It is hard to believe that drivers actually take selfies, watch YouTube, browse the internet and send text messages all while driving the speed limit. No one can do that safely.

Always say to yourself, is using my cell phone worth a life?

Key points:

Allows cell phone use in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode, whether through a device feature or headset or other accessories.

This is an exception to the prohibition on cell phone use and has two purposes:

To allow voice-activated and/or hands-free cell phone use, and

To allow the use of a headset or other accessories for phones which do not have a hands-free feature.

Allows cell phone calls to be made through use of one-touch functionality.

This allows for systems that require a one-touch activation and matches current federal commercial motor vehicle requirements.

Allows hand-held cell phone use:

To obtain emergency assistance.

In the event of an immediate life or safety threat or danger.

In an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties.

Does not apply to devices that function solely as GPS or navigation systems.

Joe Tikalsky speaking for the victims of Distracted Driving Crashes at the Rally for the Hands Free cell phone legislation

The FAQs:

Prohibiting certain use of cellular phones

Can I use my cell phone while driving? Yes, in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode.

Can I use my GPS? Yes, these bills do not apply to GPS or navigation systems.

Can I use my phone as a GPS? Yes, but only in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode while driving or part of traffic.

Can I pick up and use my phone in an emergency? Yes.

Do these bills change the penalties? No. The current fines of $50, first ticket, $225, second and subsequent tickets plus court fees still apply.

Will this make the roads safer? Yes, in two ways.

First, enforcement of the law will be much simpler. If you have the phone in your hand while driving or in traffic, you are subject to enforcement. Enforcement and education must be linked to improve driving behavior.

Second, two hands on the wheel are better than one.

Why now?

18% increase in distracted driving fatalities from 2014 to 2015.

1 in 4 crashes involves distracted driving.

1 in 5 traffic fatalities involves distracted driving.

Distracted driving is now the fourth most common contributing factor in fatalities behind speed, impairment and fatigue.

How many states have hands-free cell phone laws? 14 states covering 110 million people.

Do hands-free laws increase enforcement? Yes. New York and Illinois, for example, have greatly increased enforcement.

Are the roads safer in states with hands-free laws? It is too early to tell if the increased enforcement alone will reduce crash rates and severity. A good comparison is seatbelt use. It took some time before use rates changed and crash injuries fell.

Can I still use my CB radio? Yes. These bills do not change radio use requirements.

For more information contact Nancy at nancyj@mnsafedriving.com

Training Offered by MSD

Death Notification
Sensitivity Training

is a POST accredited course offered by Sharon Gehrman-Driscoll and Nancy Johnson of Minnesotans for Safe Driving and Lt. John Nagel of the Minnesota State Patrol. This class is provided at no cost to law enforcement, EMT’s, coroners, clergy, etc.,

Innovation in outreach continues to drive
Minnesotans for Safe Driving.

MSD has created another educational and victim advocacy outreach program in the form of an Employee Workplace Reintegration after Loss.
This innovative program is initially being directed at over 1600 Minnesota small businesses and offers them a complimentary introduction presentation as to how they can better manage the affects of loss that their employees may face.

We hope that after visiting our site, you have learned more about our organization and some very important drunk driving and careless driving facts that will reinforce your commitment to drive “Safe and Sober”.

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